Latex allergies: From experience

Throughout the world latex gloves are used to protect people who are exposed to biological, chemical or physical hazards and they are used in huge numbers.

For example it is estimated that over 40 billion latex medical gloves are used each year to protect patients and clinical staff from infection.

Latex gloves have been important in medicine for a long time but the numbers used increased rapidly in 1987 with the recognition of the need to protect against AIDS and viral hepatitis. Inevitably as with many similar products used on a large scale, a small proportion of users experience problems.

In these case histories you will see examples of individuals who have been affected by latex allergy and these demonstrate the seriousness of the problem for those who are sensitised. If you have indications that you might be sensitised to natural rubber latex, you should seek appropriate advice as outlined in other documents in the toolkit.

Case Studies

• Pip, a radiographer developed asthma as a result of exposure to powdered latex gloves.
• Julie, a dental hygienist has worked for the past 4 years without any problems in a NHS trust with a powder-free policy.
• Alison, cannot return to nursing after her employer failed to adequately risk assess.
• Anna, a sensitised patient has re-gained confidence in being managed safely in healthcare.
• Fiona, a patient suffered an anaphylactic reaction when latex equipment was used.
• Jen, a nurse works safely because of good risk assessment
• Nicola, a patient suffered an anaphylactic reaction because of a lack of latex-free equipment.
• Justin continues to work in operating theatres because his colleagues have been educated, to minimise the risks.

NHS Radiographer

"I am disappointed that I can no longer work as a radiographer. I loved my job and to lose my vocation was a terrible blow."

• Pip worked as a radiographer in the NHS for 17 years
• Every day she worked with patients whilst wearing powdered latex gloves.
• Pip developed asthma.
• The cause of Pips asthma was diagnosed as being caused by natural rubber proteins from her powdered latex gloves.
• Pip was compensated with a six figure sum by former trust in an out of court settlement for loss of earnings
  

NHS Nurse

"I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I will not be returning to nursing. It was very difficult for my children to witness and for them to learn how to use adrenaline when I became ill."

• Alison, 34 year old ex-nurse in NHS
• Alison developed latex allergy from the use of powdered latex gloves.
• Unfortunately her employer had not performed an adequate risk assessment (No latex-free alternatives were provided and she was forced to work in powdered latex environments).
• She won a "landmark" case in the High Court on ground that risk was not adequately controlled by employer.

Sensitised patient

• Fiona, 25, went to a large teaching hospital to have a wisdom tooth removed under local anaesthetic
• Although the dentist knew she was allergic to natural rubber latex, a syringe with an NRL bung was inadvertently used
• Because of natural rubber transferred from the bung Fiona suffered an Anaphylactic reaction.
• Fiona suffered an anaphylactic reaction. She spent the next few days in the intensive treatment unit, where she had several more anaphylactic reactions.
  

Anaphylactic reaction

"Every ambulance should be carrying this latex-free kit. Nicola wasn't able to tell them she had a latex allergy - but if they didn't use it in the first place there wouldn't have been a problem." (Nicola's mum, Delores)

• Nicola, 28, called her local ambulance service to treat an anaphylactic reaction to NRL in a consumer product (hair glue).
• Ambulance workers attempted to treat Nicola with standard resuscitation equipment but her symptoms worsened and Nicola died
• Ambulance service could not subsequently confirm that only latex-free equipment was used during resuscitation though plans were afoot to make latex-free packs available on all ambulances.
  

"Although I have been in touch with the Ambulance Service on numerous occasions and we have been assured that the ambulances are now latex free, the crew were unable to treat her in any way." (Paula's husband, Bob)

• Paula, 37, called local ambulance service to treat an anaphylactic reaction
• Ambulance did not have latex-free equipment to deal with Paula's condition, so used latex equipment instead.
• Paula subsequently suffered a worsening of symptoms and a second anaphylactic reaction.
  
  

Dental hygienist

• Julie, dental hygienist
• Julie developed itchy hands and hay-fever like symptoms when wearing powdered latex gloves.
• Her symptoms continued even when latex-free gloves were provided for her because co-workers wore powdered latex gloves
• Julie has worked for the past 4 years without any problems in a NHS trust with a powder-free policy
  

Operating theatre

• Justin works in an operating theatre and developed Type I Latex Allergy through the use of latex gloves. He also has eczema so was at risk of related allergies which was not picked up and thought through carefully.
• An Occupational Health physician diagnosed his allergy when he was in his current employment . In response to his diagnosis his place of work was risk-assessed
• Justin now wears synthetic rubber gloves and his colleagues continue to use low-protein powder-free latex gloves
• Justin's colleagues have all received education from the Trust's responsible person to protect him and to minimise his risks
• Justin continues to work as in theatres and does not currently experience any symptoms.
  

Nurse

• Jen was a newly qualified staff nurse when she developed Type 1 Latex Allergy. She had been in training for three years prior to this role.
• Jen's workplaces were risk-assessed following diagnosis and with the support of her colleagues who were keen to help keep her safe J continues to work successfully in her clinical area
• Jen's colleagues have all received education from the Trust's responsible person and from J who has made herself knowledgeable to minimise her risks
• Jen actively works to improve understanding of the sensitised individual's perspective. This helps to improve patient care
• Jen has worked on both Intensive Care Unit and an acute ward since diagnosis
  

Sensitised Patient

• Anna (not real name), a highly reactive latex allergy sufferer, with previous intraoperative anaphylaxis to latex was extremely anxious about having surgery performed on her following her anaphylaxis in healthcare.
• She underwent a subsequent successful and reaction free
  gynaecological operation in a latex-safe theatre environment at her local Trust.
• Anna has re-gained confidence in being managed safely in healthcare as a patient following this experience and would be happy to undergo surgical/other medical intervention at the trust again, if required.